On Monday, June 5, Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Director Jeff Littrell passed away as he was surrounded by family at the age of 72-years old.
Littrell began his career with Okaloosa County in 1996 as the Utilities Administrative Manager for the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Department (OCWS) and was promoted a year later to the Director position. His colleagues remember him as a ‘Rockstar in his field’ that led with vision and flair and helped create the modern robust utility it is today.
Some of Littrell’s notable accomplishments with OCWS include:
- Creating a 30-inch diameter water transmission main from Crestview to Fort Walton Beach.
- The demolition of the Garniers Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ocean City.
- Constructing the $65 Million state-of-the-art Arbennie Pritchett Water Reclamation Facility, a sewer plant with a capacity of 15 million gallons per day.
- Air Force’s first Enhanced Use Lease across the nation.
“Jeff’s passion and work ethic truly made this County better,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “His dedication to public service is an example for all of us and he will be greatly missed.”
According to the county, Littrell’s philosophy included collaboration, teamwork, and empowering his workforce. Through Jeff’s leadership, OCWS partnered with Eglin AFB to construct approximately 50 miles of sewer pipelines across the reservation.
“Jeff was truly a wonderful boss and a patient leader that cared for his employees and customers,” said Deputy Director of Water and Sewer Mark Wise. “He loved being the Water and Sewer Director to his core and was extremely proud of his 140 employees. We view him as a legend.”
Funeral services will be open to the public and be held on a date to be determined later at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.
